Lela Mae Averhart was born on February 26, 1931, in Decatur, Mississippi. She was the third child born to the late Alfonso and Elizabeth (Bell) Glenn. She attended St. Anne High School where she graduated in 1952. She was united in marriage to the late Mayfield N. Averhart on December 2, 1955 in Kankakee, Illinois. They were married for 49 blissful years. In 1964 she and her husband joined Washington Heights United Methodist Church in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was a dedicated and committed member for over 40 years. Lela had a love for cooking, gardening, reading, and socializing with friends. Lela was very friendly with a kind, warm-hearted personality.
She is survived by her loving family, son, Maurice (Ulanda) Averhart; daughters, Vasanta (Wayne) Thompson, Celestine (Clyde) Hudson, and Victoria (Dale) McLaughlin; sister, Christine Gibbs; brothers, Willie (Carrie) Glenn and James C. (Ruth) Glenn; twelve grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and special friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Linda Johnson; sister, Annie Ruth Robinson; and two brothers, Quillor Glenn and Alex (Martha) Glenn.
Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5:00-8:00 PM at Bachman Hebble Funeral Service. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 12:00 PM at Second Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Washington Heights United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Bachman Hebble Funeral Service www.bachmanhebble.com (269) 965-5145.